| | 善谋下: |
沛公与项籍，俱受令于楚怀王。曰：“先入咸阳者王之。”沛公将从武关入，至南阳守战，南阳守齮保宛城，坚守不下，沛公引兵围宛三匝，南阳守欲自杀，其舍人陈恢止之曰：“死未晚也。”于是恢乃逾城见沛公曰：“臣闻足下约先入咸阳者王之，今足下留兵尽日围宛，宛，大郡之都也，连城数十，人民众，蓄积多，其吏民自以为降而死，故皆坚守乘城，足下攻之，死伤者必多，死者未收，伤者未瘳，足下旷日则事留，引兵而去宛，完缮弊甲，砥砺调兵，而随足下之后，足下前则失咸阳之约，后有强宛之患，窃为足下危之。为足下计者，莫如约宛守降封之，因使止守，引其甲卒，与之西击，诸城未下者，闻声争开门而待，足下通行无所累。”沛公曰：“善。”乃以宛守为殷侯，封陈恢千户，引兵西，无不下者，遂先入咸阳，陈恢之谋也。 |
| | Peigong and Xiang Ji both received orders from the King Huai of Chu. He said, "The one who enters Xianyang first shall be made its king." Peigong was about to enter through Wuguan Pass, and upon reaching Nanyang, the governor of Nanyang defended there. The governor Yi Baow 宛 Cheng held fast in defending the city and would not surrender. Peigong led his troops to encircle Wan three times. The governor of Nanyang wanted to commit suicide, but his retainer Chen Hui stopped him, saying, "It is not too late yet to die." Chen Hui then climbed over the city wall to see Peigong, saying: "I have heard that you made an agreement that whoever enters Xianyang first will be its king. Now you are keeping your troops occupied for a whole day surrounding Wan. Wan is the capital of a large commandery, with dozens of walled cities connected together, many people and abundant supplies. The officials and civilians believe that if they surrender, they will die; therefore, they hold fast to the city walls. If you attack them, there will certainly be heavy casualties—those who die cannot yet be recovered, and those wounded have not yet healed. If you waste days here, your campaign will be delayed. If you withdraw from Wan, repair your worn-out armor, sharpen your weapons, and prepare your troops to follow after you, then if you proceed forward, you will lose the agreement about Xianyang; but if you go back, you will face a strong enemy in Wan. I secretly fear for your safety." "For your sake, there is no better plan than to make an agreement with the governor of Wan to surrender and grant him a title. Then you can leave him in charge, take his soldiers under your command, and proceed westward to attack other cities that have not yet surrendered. When they hear of this, the defenders of those cities will rush to open their gates and welcome you. In this way, you may pass through without any hindrance." Peigong said, "Good." He then appointed the governor of Wan as the Marquis Yin, bestowed Chen Hui with a fief of one thousand households, and led his troops westward. Not a single city resisted; thus he entered Xianyang first, which was due to Chen Hui's strategy.
|
| | 善谋下: |
汉王既用滕公、萧何之言，擢拜韩信为上将军，引信上坐，王问曰：“丞相数言将军，将军何以教寡人计策？”信谢，因问王曰：“ |
| | After the King of Han heeded the advice of Teng Gong and Xiao He, he promoted Han Xin to the position of Supreme General, seated Han Xin in an upper seat, and asked him, "The prime minister has spoken highly of you on many occasions. What strategies do you have for me?" Han Xin bowed in thanks, then asked the king, "May I ask Your Majesty..."
|
| | 善谋下: |
今东向争权天下，岂非项王耶？曰然，大王自断勇仁悍强，庸与项王？”汉王默然良久，曰：“不如也！”信再拜贺曰：“唯信亦以为大王不如也。然臣尝事楚，请言项王为人。项王喑恶叱吒，千人皆废，然不能任属贤将，此匹夫之勇耳。项王见人恭谨，言语呴呴，人疾病，涕泣分食饮，至使人有功当封爵，印刓绶弊，忍不能与，此所谓妇人之仁。项王虽霸天下而臣诸侯，不居关中，都彭城，又背义帝约，而以亲爱王，诸侯不平。诸侯之见项王颉逐义帝江南，亦皆归逐其主自王善地。项王所过，无不残灭多怨，百姓不附，特劫于威强服耳。名虽为霸王，实失民心，故曰其强易弱。今大王诚反其道，任天下武勇，何不诛？以天下城邑封功臣，何不服？以义兵从思东归之士，何不散？且三秦王为秦将，将秦子弟数岁，所杀亡不可胜计，又欺其众降诸侯至新安，项王诈坑秦降卒二十馀万人，唯独邯、欣、翳脱，秦父兄怨此三人，痛入骨髓。今楚强以威王此三人，秦民莫爱，大王之入武关，秋毫无所害，除秦苛法，与秦民约，法三章，且秦民无不欲得大王王秦者，于诸侯约，大王当王关中，民户知之，大王失职之蜀，民无不恨者，今大王举而东，三秦可传檄而定也。”于是汉王喜，自以为得信晚，遂听信计，部署诸将所击。八月，汉王东出，秦民归汉，汉王遂诛三秦，定其地，收诸侯兵讨项王，定帝业，韩信之谋也。 |
| | Now that we are moving east to contend for dominion over all under heaven, is it not against Xiang Wang? He said, "Yes. Does Your Majesty yourself judge in terms of bravery, benevolence, fierce strength, and power—how does he compare to Xiang Wang?" The King of Han remained silent for a long time, then said, "He is not my equal!" Han Xin bowed twice in congratulation and said, "I too believe that Your Majesty is not his equal. Yet I once served the state of Chu; please allow me to speak about Xiang Wang's character." Xiang Wang was fierce and terrifying, his shouts could paralyze a thousand men, yet he was unable to entrust capable generals with responsibilities—this is merely the courage of an ordinary man. Xiang Wang appeared respectful and courteous to others, spoke gently and kindly; when someone was ill, he would weep and share food and drink with them. Yet when it came to rewarding those who had rendered service and deserved enfeoffment, even though the seals were worn and the sashes tattered, he could not bear to give them out—this is what is called the mercy of a woman. Although Xiang Wang dominated the world and made the feudal lords his subjects, he did not reside in Guanzhong but instead established his capital at Pengcheng. Moreover, he violated the agreement with King Yi of Chu by enfeoffing his relatives as kings, which caused dissatisfaction among the feudal lords. The feudal lords saw Xiang Wang drive King Yi of Chu southward to Jiangnan, and so they too began to expel their own overlords and proclaim themselves kings in fertile lands. Wherever Xiang Wang passed, there was nothing but destruction and resentment; the common people did not support him, they were merely forced into submission by his overwhelming power. Though he bore the title of Hegemon-King, in reality he had lost the people's hearts; therefore it is said that his strength was easily turned to weakness. Now, if Your Majesty sincerely reverses this approach and entrusts the brave and martial men of all under heaven with responsibilities, who would dare not to be eliminated? Bestow fiefs in cities throughout the world upon meritorious subjects—how could they fail to submit? Lead a righteous army and follow the sentiments of those who long to return eastward—how could it not rally widespread support? Moreover, the Three Qin kings served as generals of Qin and led Qin's sons and brothers for several years; the number of those they killed or lost was beyond count. Furthermore, they deceived their own troops into surrendering to the feudal lords at Xin'an, where Xiang Wang deceitfully buried more than 200,000 surrendered Qin soldiers alive. Only Han Shang, Xin Jin, and Yi escaped. The fathers and elder brothers of Qin deeply resented these three men, with bitterness reaching their very bones and marrow. Now, although Chu forces these three men to rule through might, the people of Qin love none of them. When Your Majesty entered Wuguan Pass, not a single hair on their heads was harmed; you abolished Qin's harsh laws and made an agreement with the people of Qin based on only Three Chapters of Law. Moreover, there is not a single person in Qin who does not wish for Your Majesty to rule over Qin. According to the agreement among the feudal lords, Your Majesty should have been king of Guanzhong; this was known by every household. When you were wrongfully transferred to Shu and lost your rightful position, the people all felt deep resentment. Now, if Your Majesty rises up and moves eastward, the Three Qin regions can be pacified merely through a proclamation." The King of Han was delighted, feeling as though he had acquired Han Xin too late. He then followed Han Xin's strategy and made arrangements for the various generals to launch their attacks. In August, the King of Han moved eastward. The people of Qin returned to his side, and thus he was able to defeat the Three Qin rulers, pacify their territories, raise armies from among the feudal lords to campaign against Xiang Wang, and establish imperial authority—this was all due to Han Xin's strategy.
|
| | 善谋下: |
赵地乱，武臣、张耳、陈馀定赵地，立武臣为赵王，张耳为相，陈馀为将军。赵王间出，为燕军所得，燕囚之，欲与三分其地，乃归王，使者至，燕辄杀之，以固求地。张耳、陈馀患之，有厮养卒谢其舍中人曰：“吾为公说燕，与赵王载归。”舍中人皆笑之曰：“使者往十辈死，若何以能得王？”厮养卒曰：“非若所知。”乃洗沐往见张耳、陈馀，遣行见燕王，燕王问之，对曰：“贱人希见长者，愿请一卮酒。”已饮，又问之。复曰：“贱人希见长者，愿复请一卮酒。”与之酒。卒曰：“王知臣何欲？”燕王曰：“欲得而王耳。”卒曰：“君知张耳、陈馀何人也？”燕王曰：“贤人也。”曰：“君知其意何欲？”曰：“欲得其王耳。”赵卒笑曰：“君未知两人所欲也。夫武臣、张耳、陈馀杖马策，下赵数十城，此亦各欲南面而王，岂为卿相哉？夫臣与主，岂可同日道哉？顾其势始定，未敢三分而王。且以少长先立武臣为王，以持赵心，今赵地已服，此两人亦欲分赵而王，时未可耳。今君囚赵王，此两人名为求赵王，实欲燕杀之，此两人分赵自立。夫以一赵尚易燕，况两贤王左提右挈，执直义而以责不直之弱，燕灭无日矣。”燕王以为然，乃遣赵王，养卒为御而归，遂得反国，复立为王，赵卒之谋也。 |
| | The land of Zhao was in chaos, and Wu Chen, Zhang Er, and Chen Yu pacified the region. They established Wu Chen as King of Zhao, appointed Zhang Er as prime minister, and made Chen Yu general. The King of Zhao secretly left his capital and was captured by the Yan forces, who imprisoned him. The Yan sought to divide Zhao's territory into three parts and thus return the king to his people. Whenever envoys arrived from Zhao, Yan executed them in order to pressure for more land concessions. Zhang Er and Chen Yu were greatly troubled by this situation. A common soldier who served as a groom or attendant said to the people in his quarters, "I will go speak for you with Yan and bring King Zhao back safely." The men in the quarters all laughed at him, saying, "Ten envoys have already gone and died; how can you possibly succeed in bringing back the king?" The groom or attendant said, "That is not something you understand." He then bathed and washed, went to see Zhang Er and Chen Yu, who sent him off to meet the King of Yan. When the King of Yan questioned him, he replied, "A lowly man like me rarely has the opportunity to appear before a noble person; I humbly request one cup of wine." After drinking, the King asked him again. He replied once more: "A lowly man like me seldom has the chance to appear before a noble one; I humbly request another cup of wine." They gave him the wine. The soldier said, "Does Your Majesty know what I desire?" The King of Yan said, "You must want to have your king back." The soldier said, "Does Your Majesty know who Zhang Er and Chen Yu are?" The King of Yan replied, "They are men of virtue." He asked, "Does Your Majesty know what their intentions desire?" The King of Yan said: "They must want to have their king back." The Zhao soldier smiled and said, "Your Majesty does not know what the two men truly desire. Wu Chen, Zhang Er, and Chenyu rode their horses with whips in hand and captured dozens of cities in Zhao. Each of them also desires to face south as a king; would they be content merely being ministers or chancellors? A minister and his sovereign are certainly not comparable in the same breath. But at that time, their position was still newly established, so they dared not divide the land into three parts to proclaim themselves kings. Moreover, they appointed Wu Chen as king first, out of respect for seniority, to stabilize the people's hearts in Zhao. Now that Zhao's territory is already pacified, these two men also wish to divide Zhao and proclaim themselves kings—but the time has not yet come for this. Now, Your Majesty imprisons King Zhao. These two men claim they seek to recover their king, but in reality, they wish for Yan to kill him so that they may divide Zhao and establish themselves as kings. With just one Zhao, it is already easy to contend against Yan; how much more so with two virtuous kings, one on the left and one on the right, upholding righteousness and holding Yan accountable for its unjust and weak actions? The fall of Yan is inevitable and will come in no time." The King of Yan found this reasoning convincing and so released the King of Zhao, with the groom or attendant serving as his charioteer on the return journey. Thus he was able to reclaim his kingdom and be reestablished as king—this was due to the strategy of the Zhao soldier.
|
| | 善谋下: |
郦食其号郦生，说汉王曰：“臣闻之，知天之天者，王事可成；不知天之天者，王事不可成。王者以民为天，而民以食为天。夫敖仓，天下转输久矣，臣闻其下乃有藏粟甚多。楚人拔荥阳，不坚守敖仓，乃引而东，令谪过卒分守成皋，此乃天所以资汉。方今楚易取而汉反却，自夺其便，臣窃以为过矣。且两雄不俱立，楚、汉久相持不决，百姓骚动，海内摇荡，农夫释耒，工女下机，天下之心，未有所定也。愿陛下急复进兵收取荥阳，据廒仓之粟，塞成皋之险，杜太行之路，距蜚狐之口，守白马之津，以示诸侯形制之势，则天下知所归矣。”汉王曰：“善。”乃从其计划，复守廒仓，卒粮食不尽，以擒项氏。其后吴、楚反，将军窦婴，周亚夫复据廒仓，塞成皋如前，以破吴、楚。皆郦生之谋也。 |
| | Li Shi Ji, known as Lishi Sheng, advised the King of Han, saying: "I have heard that one who understands Heaven's will can achieve success in kingship; One who does not understand Heaven's will cannot succeed in kingship. A king takes the people as his Heaven, and the people take food as their Heaven. Ao Cang has long served as a central hub for transporting grain across the empire, and I have heard that there is an especially large amount of stored grain beneath it. The Chu forces captured Yingyang but did not firmly hold Ao Cang, instead withdrawing eastward and ordering the exiled convicts to divide their defense at Chenggao. This is Heaven's way of providing an opportunity for Han. Now, when Chu is easily taken and Han instead retreats, it is as if one voluntarily abandons an advantage. I secretly believe this to be a mistake. Moreover, two great powers cannot coexist side by side. Chu and Han have been locked in prolonged stalemate without a decisive outcome, causing unrest among the people and instability throughout the realm. Farmers abandon their plows, and female workers leave their looms; the hearts of the people remain unsettled. I humbly request that Your Majesty immediately advance your troops to recapture Yingyang, seize the grain stored at Ao Cang, block the perilous pass of Chenggao, cut off the road through Taihang Mountain, control the mouth of Feihu Pass, and guard the ferry crossing at Ba Ma. By demonstrating such strategic dominance to the feudal lords, all under heaven will know where their allegiance should lie." The King of Han said, "Good." He followed his plan and once again took control of Ao Cang. The final stores of grain were not exhausted, which ultimately enabled the capture of Xiang Shi. Later, when Wu and Chu rebelled, General Dou Ying and Zhou Yafu once again occupied Ao Cang and blocked Chenggao as before, thereby defeating Wu and Chu. These were all strategies devised by Lishi Sheng.
|
| | 善谋下: |
郦生说汉王曰：“方今燕、赵已复，唯齐未下，今田横据千里之齐，田闲据二十万之军于历城，诸田宗强，负海岱阻河齐，南近楚，民多变诈，陛下虽遣数十万师，未可以岁月下也。臣请奉明诏说齐王，令称东藩。”于是使郦生食其说齐王，曰：“王知天下之所归乎？”王曰：“不知也。”曰：“王知天下之所归，则齐国可得而有也，若不知天下之所归，则齐国未可保也。”齐王曰：“天下何所归？”曰：“归汉。”王曰：“先生何以言之？”曰：“汉王与项王，戮力西面击秦，约先入咸阳者王之。汉王先入咸阳，项王倍约不与而王汉中；项王颉杀义帝，汉王起蜀汉之兵击三秦，出关而责义帝之处，收天下之兵，立诸侯之后。降城即以侯其将，得赐即以予其士，与天下同其利，豪杰贤人，皆乐为其用。诸侯之兵，四面而至，蜀汉之粟，方船而下。项王有倍约之名，杀义帝之实，于人之功无所记，于人之过无所忘；战胜而不得其赏，拔城而不得其封；非项氏莫得用事；为人刻印，刓而不能授；攻城得赂，积财而不能赏，天下畔之，贤才怨之，而莫为之用。故天下之事，归于汉王，可坐而策也。夫汉王发蜀汉，定三秦，涉西河之外，乘上党之兵，下井陉，诛成安，破北魏，举三十二城，比送尤之兵，非人之力也。今已据敖仓之粟，塞成皋之险，守白马之津；杜太行之阪，距蜚狐之口，天下后服者先亡矣。王疾下汉王，齐国社稷，可得而保也；不下汉王，危亡可立而待也。”田横以为然，即听郦生，罢历下兵战守之备，与郦生日纵酒。此郦生之谋也。及齐人蒯通说韩信曰：“足下受诏击齐，何故止将三军之众，不如一竖儒之功？可因齐无备击之。”韩信从之，郦生为田横所害，后信通亦不得其所，由不仁也。 |
| | Lishi Sheng advised the King of Han, saying: "Now that Yan and Zhao have already been restored to our control, only Qi remains unconquered. At present, Tian Heng holds a thousand-li expanse of Qi, while Tian Jian commands an army of 200,00 troops at Licheng. The various descendants of the Tian clan are powerful, backed by the sea and Mount Dai, blocked by the Yellow River to the north, and close to Chu in the south. The people there are numerous and prone to deceit. Even if Your Majesty sends an army of hundreds of thousands, it will not be possible to subdue Qi within a year." I humbly request permission to carry Your Majesty's decree to persuade the King of Qi, so that he may submit as an eastern vassal state." Thus, they sent Lishi Sheng Shi Ji to persuade the King of Qi. He said: "Does Your Majesty know where all under heaven is turning its allegiance?" The king replied, "I do not know." He said: "If Your Majesty knows where all under heaven is turning, then the state of Qi can be preserved and secured. But if you do not know where Heaven's will lies, then even the state of Qi cannot remain safe." The King of Qi asked: "To whom is all under heaven turning its allegiance?" He said, "It turns to Han." The king asked: "On what basis do you say this?" He said, "King of Han and Xiang Wang united their strength to attack Qin from the west, making an agreement that whoever entered Xianyang first would be made its king." King of Han entered Xianyang first, but Xiang Wang broke the agreement and did not grant him the title, instead making him king of Hanzhong. Xiang Wang drove King Yi of Chu to his death, and in response, the King of Han raised an army from Shu and Hanzhong to attack the Three Qin states. He crossed the pass and demanded justice for King Yi's fate, gathered armies from across the realm, and restored the descendants of feudal lords to their positions. He enfeoffed the surrendered cities and granted marquis titles to their generals, bestowed rewards upon his soldiers, and shared benefits with all under heaven. Heroes and virtuous men were all willing to serve him. The armies of the feudal lords arrived from all directions, while grain from Shu and Hanzhong flowed downstream in great numbers on river vessels. Xiang Wang bore the reputation of breaking agreements and committed the act of killing King Yi of Chu. He never acknowledged others' contributions, yet never forgot their faults; those who won battles received no rewards, those who captured cities received no enfeoffments; only members of the Xiang clan were allowed to hold power; He prepared seals for others, but kept them worn and refused to bestow them; When cities were captured and spoils obtained, wealth was accumulated but not distributed as rewards. Thus the people of all under heaven turned against him; virtuous talents resented him and would not serve him. Therefore, the affairs of all under heaven will naturally turn to King of Han—this can be foreseen with certainty. King of Han raised his forces from Shu and Hanzhong, pacified the Three Qin states, crossed beyond the Western River, led the troops of Shangdang, descended Jingxing Pass, captured Cheng'an, defeated Northern Wei, seized thirty-two cities—his victories surpassed even those of You Yu. This was not merely due to human strength alone. Now he has already seized the grain at Ao Cang, blocked the perilous pass of Chenggao and guarded the ferry crossing at Ba Ma; he has cut off the passes of Taihang Mountains, controlled the mouth of Feihu Pass. Those who resist submission to him will be the first to perish throughout all under heaven." If Your Majesty quickly submits to King Han, then the ancestral sacrifices and state of Qi may yet be preserved; if you do not submit to King Han, peril and destruction will come swiftly." Tian Heng found this reasoning convincing, so he followed Lishi Sheng's advice and withdrew the military defenses at Li Xia. He ceased preparations for war or defense and spent each day feasting and drinking wine with Lishi Sheng. This was the strategy of Lishi Sheng. When the man from Qi, Kuaitong, advised Han Xin, saying: "You have received orders to attack Qi. Why do you now halt your entire army and allow a mere scholar-attendant to achieve what should be your accomplishment? It would be wise for you to take advantage of the fact that Qi is unprepared and attack it." Han Xin followed his advice, and Lishi Sheng was killed by Tian Heng. Later, Kuaitong also failed to find a proper place for himself—this was due to their lack of benevolence.
|
| | 善谋下: |
汉三年，项羽急围汉王荥阳，汉王悲忧，与郦生谋挠楚权。郦生曰：“昔汤伐桀，封其后于杞。武王伐纣，封其后于宋。今秦无德弃义，侵伐诸侯社稷，灭六国之后，使无立锥之地。陛下诚复立六国后，毕授印已，此君臣百姓，必戴陛下德，莫不向风慕义，愿为臣妾。德义已行，陛下南向称霸，楚必敛衽而朝。”汉王曰：“善。趣刻印，先生因行佩之矣。”郦生未行，张良从外求谒，汉王方食，曰：“ |
| | In the third year of Han, Xiang Yu urgently besieged the King of Han at Yingyang. The King of Han was deeply sorrowful and anxious, so he plotted with Lishi Sheng to disrupt Chu's authority. Lishi Sheng said: "In the past, King Tang attacked Jie and enfeoffed his descendants in Qi. King Wu of Zhou attacked Zhou and enfeoffed his successors in Song. Now, Qin has abandoned virtue and righteousness, invaded the ancestral states of the feudal lords, extinguished the descendants of the Six Kingdoms, leaving them no place to stand even with a cone. If Your Majesty sincerely restores the descendants of the Six Kingdoms to power and bestows seals upon them, then surely both rulers and subjects, as well as all the people, will revere your virtue. None will fail to look up with admiration for righteousness and wish to serve you as subjects or attendants. Once virtue and righteousness have been established, Your Majesty may face southward and proclaim yourself hegemon; surely the state of Chu will bow respectfully and come to pay homage." The King of Han said: "Good." He hurriedly ordered the seals to be engraved, saying, "Sir, you may proceed and wear them at once." Lishi Sheng had not yet departed when Zhang Liang arrived from outside to request an audience. The King of Han, who was just about to eat, said:
|
| | 善谋下: |
子房前，客有为我计挠楚权者。”具以食其言告之。曰：“其于子房意如何？”良曰：“谁为陛下画此计者？陛下事去矣。”汉王曰：“ |
| | Zhang Liang stepped forward and said, "There is a guest here who has devised a plan for me to disrupt Chu's authority." He fully informed him of Shiyi's proposal. Zhang Liang said: "What is your opinion on this plan, Master?" Zhang Liang said: "Who has devised this strategy for Your Majesty? The King's affairs are doomed." The King of Han asked, "Why is that?"
|
| | 善谋下: |
何哉？”对曰：“臣请借前箸而筹之。”曰：“昔汤伐桀，而封其后于杞者，斯能制桀之死命也。陛下能制项籍之死命乎？”曰：“未能也。”“其不可一也。武王伐纣而封其后于宋者，斯能得纣之头也。今陛下能得项籍之头乎？”曰：“未能也。”“其不可二矣。武王入殷，表商容之闾，轼箕子之门，封比干之墓。今陛下能封圣人之墓，表贤人之闾，轼智者之门乎？”曰：“未能也。”“其不可三矣。发钜桥之粟，散鹿台之钱，以赐贫羸。今陛下能散府库以赐贫羸乎？”曰：“未能也。”“其不可四矣。殷事已毕，偃革为轩，倒载干戈，以示天下不复用兵。今陛下能偃革，倒载干戈乎？”曰：“未能也。”“其不可五也。休马于华山之阳，以示无所用。今陛下能休马无所用乎？”曰：“未能也。”“其不可六也。休牛于桃林之阴，以示不复输粮。今陛下能休牛不复输粮乎？”曰：“未能也。”“其不可七矣。且夫天下游士，捐其亲戚，弃坟墓，去故旧，从陛下游者，皆日夜望尺寸之地，今复立韩、魏、燕、赵、齐、楚之后，其王皆复立，游士各归事其主，从其亲戚；反其故旧坟墓，陛下谁与取天下乎？”曰：“未能也。”“其不可八也。且夫楚惟无强，六国复挠而从之，陛下焉得而臣之乎？诚用客之计，陛下之事去矣。”汉王辍食吐哺，骂曰：“竖儒几败乃公事。”令趣销印，止不使，遂并天下之兵，诛项籍，定海内，张子房之谋也。 |
| | Zhang Liang said: "Whoever advised Your Majesty to restore the descendants of the Six Kingdoms has made a grave mistake. At this time, those who have already been vanquished by Qin will certainly be envious and resentful toward those whom you now revive; they will not be content with merely being vassals under your rule. Moreover, these restored lords would all hold their own armies, which would only serve to strengthen the hands of our enemies. This is a plan that brings disaster rather than benefit. I fear Your Majesty's cause is now in peril." He replied: "I beg to borrow the chopsticks before me to illustrate my reasoning." Zhang Liang said: "In the past, King Tang of Shang attacked Jie and enfeoffed Jie's descendants in Qi—this was because he had already ensured Jie's death. "Can Your Majesty ensure the death of Xiang Ji?" The King said: "Not yet." "This is one reason why it cannot be done." King Wu of Zhou attacked King Zhou and enfeoffed Zhou's descendants in Song—this was because he had obtained Zhou's head. "Can Your Majesty now obtain Xiang Ji's head?" The King said: "Not yet." "This is the second reason why it cannot be done." King Wu of Zhou entered Yin, honored the neighborhood of Shang Rong with a plaque, passed by Ji Zi's gate in mourning, and enfeoffed Bi Gan's tomb. "Can Your Majesty now honor the tombs of sages, mark the neighborhoods of virtuous men, and pass by the gates of wise individuals in mourning?" The King said: "Not yet." "This is the third reason why it cannot be done." He distributed the grain from Juqiao and dispersed the money from Lutai to bestow upon the poor and weak. "Can Your Majesty now open the treasuries to give alms to the poor and destitute?" The King said: "Not yet." "This is the fourth reason why it cannot be done." When Yin was pacified, King Wu converted war chariots into ceremonial ones, reversed the weapons on his carriage, and displayed to all under heaven that he would no longer use arms. "Can Your Majesty now convert war chariots into ceremonial vehicles and reverse the weapons on your carriage?" The King said: "Not yet." "This is the fifth reason why it cannot be done." He stabled his horses on the southern slope of Mount Hua to show that they would no longer be used for war. "Can Your Majesty now stable your horses and render them useless for warfare?" The King said: "Not yet." "This is the sixth reason why it cannot be done." He rested his oxen in the shade of Taolin to show that there would be no more grain transport for war. "Can Your Majesty now rest your oxen and cease transporting grain for military use?" The King said: "Not yet." "This is the seventh reason why it cannot be done." Moreover, the wandering scholars of the world have abandoned their relatives and ancestors' graves, left behind their old friends, and followed Your Majesty in hopes of gaining a small piece of land. Now, if you restore the descendants of Han, Wei, Yan, Zhao, Qi, and Chu to power, these lords will be reestablished as kings, and the wandering scholars will return to serve their new masters and reunite with their relatives; they will return to their former homes and ancestral graves. With whom, then, shall Your Majesty contend for the empire?" The King said: "Not yet." "This is the eighth reason why it cannot be done." Moreover, if Chu remains strong and the Six Kingdoms are restored, they will inevitably side with it. How then can Your Majesty bring them under your subjugation? If you truly follow this guest's plan, Your Majesty's cause is lost." The King of Han dropped his food and spat out the bite in anger, cursing, "This foolish scholar nearly ruined my affairs." He ordered the seals to be immediately destroyed, and stopped the plan from proceeding. Thus, he united all the armies of the realm, attacked and killed Xiang Ji, and pacified the empire—this was the strategy devised by Zhang Liang.
|
| | 善谋下: |
汉五年，追击项王阳夏南，止军，与淮阴侯韩信，建成侯彭越期会而击楚军，至固陵不会，楚击汉军，大破之。汉王复入壁，深堑而守之，谓张子房曰：“诸侯不约，奈何？”对曰：“楚兵且破，而未有分地，其不至固宜，君王能与共天下，今可立致也；则不能，军未可知也。君王能自陈以东傅海尽与韩信，睢阳以北至谷城尽与彭越，使各自为战，则楚易败也。”汉王乃使使者告韩信、彭越曰：“并力击楚，楚已破，自陈以东傅海与齐王，睢阳以北至谷城与彭相国。”使者至，韩信、彭越皆喜，报曰：“请今进兵。”韩信乃从齐行，彭越兵自梁至，诸侯来会，遂破楚军于垓下，追项王，诛之于淮津，二君之功，张子房之谋也。 |
| | In the fifth year of Han, he pursued and attacked King Xiang at the southern part of Yangxia. He halted his troops and had arranged to meet with the Marquis Huaiyin Hou Han Xin and the Marquis Jiancheng Hou Peng Yue to jointly attack the army of Chu; however, when they arrived at Guling, they did not assemble as planned. The forces of Chu then attacked the Han army and decisively defeated them. The King of Han once again retreated into his fortress, dug deep trenches for defense, and said to Zhang Liang: "The feudal lords have failed to honor their agreement—what shall we do?" Zhang Liang replied: "The forces of Chu are about to be defeated, but they have yet to receive their allotted territories. Their failure to arrive is entirely understandable. If Your Majesty can offer them a share in the empire, they may now be persuaded to come forth; if you cannot do so, then the outcome of your military campaign remains uncertain." "If Your Majesty can cede all the land from Chen to the east, reaching the sea, to Han Xin, and grant Peng Yue everything north of Suixiang up to Gucheng, allowing them each to fight independently, then it will be easy to defeat Chu." The King of Han then sent envoys to inform Han Xin and Peng Yue, saying: "Unite your forces to attack Chu. Once Chu is defeated, all the land from Chen eastward to the sea shall belong to the King of Qi, and everything north of Suixiang to Gucheng shall be granted to Chancellor Peng." When the envoys arrived, Han Xin and Peng Yue were both pleased and replied: "We will proceed with our troops immediately." Han Xin then marched from Qi, and Peng Yue's forces arrived from Liang. The feudal lords gathered to join them, and thus they defeated the army of Chu at Gaixia. They pursued King Xiang and killed him at Huaijin. These two generals' achievements were made possible by Zhang Liang's strategy.
|
| | 善谋下: |
汉六年，正月，封功臣，张子房未尝有战功，高皇帝曰：“铉筹策帷幄之中，决胜千里之外，子房功也，子房自择齐三万户。”良曰：“始臣起下邳，与上会留，此天以臣授陛下。陛下用臣计，幸而时中，臣愿封留足矣，不敢当齐三万户。”乃封良为留侯。及萧何等其馀功臣，皆未封。群臣自疑，恐不得封，咸不自安，有摇动之心。于是高皇帝在雒阳南宫上台，见群臣往往相与坐沙中语。上曰：“此何语？”留侯曰：“陛下不知乎？谋反耳。”上曰：“天下属安，何故而反？”留侯曰：“陛下起布衣，与此属定天下，陛下已为天子，而所封皆萧曹故人，所诛皆平生怨仇。今军吏计功，以天下不足以遍封，此属畏陛下不能尽封，又见疑平生过失及诛，故即聚谋反耳。”上乃忧，曰：“为将奈何？”留侯曰：“上平生所憎，群臣所共知谁最甚者？”上曰：“雍齿与我有故，数窘辱我，欲杀之，为其功多，故不忍。”留侯曰：“今急，先封雍齿，以示群臣。群臣见雍齿得封，即人人自坚矣。”于是上置酒封雍齿为什方侯，而急诏趣丞相御史定功行封，群臣罢酒，皆喜曰：“雍齿且侯，我属无患矣。”还倍畔之心，销邪道之谋，使国家安宁，累世无事无患者，张子房之谋也。 |
| | In the sixth year of Han, on the first month, meritorious subjects were enfeoffed. Zhang Liang had never personally achieved military victories, yet Emperor Gaozu said: "Zhang Liang devised strategies within the tent and determined victory from a distance—this is Master Liang's merit. You may choose any three ten-thousand-household fiefdoms in Qi for yourself." Zhang Liang said: "When I first rose to prominence at Xupu and met Your Majesty in Liu, it was Heaven that placed me under your service. Your Majesty heeded my strategies, and by fortune they proved timely effective. I humbly request only the fief of Liu as sufficient reward; I dare not accept three ten-thousand-household territories in Qi." He was then enfeoffed as Marquis Liu Hou. And the other meritorious subjects, such as Xiao He and others, had yet to be enfeoffed. The ministers grew doubtful among themselves, fearing they would not receive their enfeoffments and thus felt uneasy, some even harboring thoughts of unrest. Thus, Emperor Gaozu was at the Upper Terrace in Luoyang's Nan Gong when he saw among his ministers that they often gathered together to sit on the sand and converse. The emperor said: "What are they talking about?" Liu Hou replied: "Does Your Majesty not know?" They are plotting rebellion." The emperor said: "The empire is now at peace—why would they rebel?" Liu Hou said: "Your Majesty rose from common origins and with these men secured the empire. Now that Your Majesty has become emperor, those enfeoffed are all old associates of Xiao He and Cao Can, while those executed are merely lifelong enemies. Now, when the military officials calculate their merits, they realize that there is not enough of the empire to enfeoff everyone. These men fear that Your Majesty cannot grant them all fiefs, and also suspect that past mistakes or grudges may lead to punishment or execution—hence, they have gathered together to plot rebellion." The emperor became anxious and said: "What shall I do about this?" Liu Hou said: "Whom has Your Majesty most intensely disliked in your life, a fact known to all the ministers?" The emperor said: "Yong Chi and I have an old grudge; he has often humiliated and embarrassed me, and I once wanted to kill him. But because of his many meritorious deeds, I could not bring myself to do so." Liu Hou said: "Now that the situation is urgent, Your Majesty should immediately enfeoff Yong Chi first, in order to reassure the ministers." When the ministers see that Yong Chi has been enfeoffed, they will each feel assured of their own rewards and remain loyal." Thus, the emperor held a banquet and enfeoffed Yong Chi as Marquis Shifang Hou. He immediately issued an urgent decree to the prime minister and imperial censors to determine merits and proceed with enfeoffments. When the ministers left the banquet, they were all delighted and said: "Even Yong Chi has become a marquis—there is no longer any cause for concern among us." Thus, the plotting of rebellion was quelled and the schemes of treachery were eliminated, bringing peace and stability to the state for generations without conflict or unrest—this was Zhang Liang's strategy.
|
| | 善谋下: |
高皇帝五年，齐人娄敬戍陇西，过雒阳，脱辂挽，见齐人虞将军曰：“臣愿见上言便宜事。”虞将军欲以鲜衣。娄敬曰：“臣衣帛，衣帛见；衣褐，衣褐见，不敢易。”虞将军入言上，上召见，赐食已而问，敬对曰：“陛下都雒阳，岂欲与周室比隆哉？”上曰：“然。”敬曰：“陛下取天下，与周室异。周之先自后稷，尧封之邰，积德累善十馀世，公娇避桀居邠，大王以狄伐去邠，杖马策居岐国，人争归之，及文王为西伯，断虞芮讼，始受命，吕望、伯夷自海滨来归之，武王伐纣，不期而会孟津上八百诸侯，灭殷，成王即位，周公之属傅相，乃营成周雒邑，以为天下中，诸侯四方，纳贡职道里均矣。有德则易以王，无德则易以亡，凡居此者，欲令周务德以致人，不欲恃险阻，令后世骄奢以虐民。及周之衰分为两，天下莫朝，周不能制，非德薄，形势弱也。今陛下起丰击沛，收卒三千人，以之径往卷蜀汉，定三秦，与项羽大战七十，小战四十，使天下民肝脑涂地，父子暴骨中野，不可胜数，哭泣之声未绝，伤夷者未收，而欲比隆成康周公之时，臣窃以为不侔矣。且夫秦地被山带河，四塞以为固，卒然有急，百万之众可具。因秦之固，资甚美膏腴之地，此谓天府。陛下入关而都，山东虽乱，秦故地可全而有也。夫与人斗而不扼其亢，拊其背，未全胜也。” |
| | In the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu's reign, Lou Jing, a native of Qi, was stationed in Longxi. Passing through Luoyang, he removed his reins and harness, approached General Yu of Qi, and said: "I wish to see His Majesty and offer advice on matters of state importance." General Yu wished for him to wear fine clothes. Lou Jing said: "If I were dressed in silk, I would present myself in silk; if in coarse cloth, then in coarse cloth. I dare not change." General Yu entered and informed the emperor, who summoned Lou Jing for an audience. After offering him food, he asked questions, to which Lou Jing replied: "Your Majesty has established your capital at Luoyang—does this mean you wish to rival the glory of the Zhou dynasty?" The emperor said: "Indeed." Jing said: "Your Majesty's conquest of the empire differs from that of the Zhou dynasty. The ancestors of the Zhou, beginning with Hou Ji, were enfeoffed by Yao at Tai. For more than ten generations, they accumulated virtue and good deeds. Gong Jiao fled from Jie to Bin, and Da Wang left Bin due to attacks by the Di people, using a staff as a whip while settling in Qi Guo. The people competed to return to him. When King Wen became the Western Lord, he arbitrated the dispute between Yu and Rui, and only then received his mandate. Lü Wang and Bo Yi came from the seashore to join him. King Wu attacked Zhou, and without prior arrangement, eight hundred feudal lords gathered at Mengjin. They destroyed Yin, and upon King Cheng's ascension, it was under the guidance of Duke Zhou and others that they established the capital city of Luoyi in the central region of the empire. Thus, the feudal lords from all directions could pay tribute along equal distances by road. With virtue, it was easy to become a king; without virtue, it was equally easy to perish. All who resided in this land sought for the Zhou dynasty to cultivate virtue so as to attract people, rather than rely on natural barriers and fortifications. They did not wish future generations to grow arrogant and extravagant, oppressing the people. When the Zhou dynasty declined and split into two lines, no one in the world came to pay homage; the Zhou could not maintain control—not because their virtue was weak, but because their strategic position had become feeble. Now, Your Majesty rose from Feng and Pei, gathered three thousand soldiers, led them directly to Quan, Shu, and Han, pacified the Three Qins, engaged in seventy major battles with Xiang Yu, and forty minor ones. You caused countless civilians to lose their lives, fathers and sons left exposed in the fields, too numerous to count; the cries of mourning have not yet ceased, and the wounded remain unattended. And yet you wish to rival the prosperity of King Cheng, King Kang, and the time of Duke Zhou—this I secretly believe is not comparable at all. Moreover, the land of Qin is surrounded by mountains and rivers, with four natural barriers that provide security. In case of sudden emergency, an army of a million men can be mustered. Taking advantage of Qin's strong defenses and drawing upon its fertile and rich land—this is what is called the Celestial Granary. If Your Majesty enters Guan and establishes your capital there, even if Shandong falls into chaos, the former territories of Qin can be fully secured and retained. To fight with another without seizing their throat and striking their back is not to ensure a complete victory."
|
| | 善谋下: |
高皇帝疑，问左右大臣，皆山东人，多劝上都雒阳，东有成皋，西有肴渑，倍河海，向伊洛，其固亦足恃，且周数百年，秦二世而亡，不如都周。留侯张子房曰：“雒阳虽有此固，国中小不过数百里，田地狭，四面受敌，此非用武之国。夫关中左肴函，右陇蜀，沃野千里，南有巴蜀之饶，北有故宛之利，阻三面，守一隅，东向制诸侯，诸侯安定，河渭漕挽。天下西给京师；诸侯有变，顺流而下，足以委输，此所谓金城千里，天府之国也。娄敬说是也。”于是高皇帝即日驾，西都关中，由是国家安宁。虽彭越、陈狶、卢绾之谋，九江燕代之兵，及吴楚之难，关东之兵，虽百万之师，犹不能以为害者，由保仁德之惠，守关中之固也。国以永安，娄敬、张子房之谋也。上曰：“本言都秦地者，娄敬也。娄者乃娇也。”赐姓娇氏，拜为郎中，号曰奉春君，后卒为建信侯。 |
| | Emperor Gaozu hesitated and consulted his ministers, who were mostly natives of Shandong. Many advised him to establish the capital at Luoyang: it had Chenggao to the east and Xiaoshan to the west, was backed by rivers and seas, faced Yiluo, its defenses were sufficient for reliance, and since the Zhou dynasty had lasted several centuries while Qin perished after only two generations, it would be better to establish the capital in Zhou. Liu Hou Zhang Liang said: "Although Luoyang has these natural defenses, the territory within its borders is small—no more than several hundred li—and the land is narrow. It faces enemies from all four directions; this is not a place suited for waging war. The Guanzhong region has Yao and Han to the east, Long and Shu to the west; its fertile plains stretch for a thousand li. To the south lies the abundance of Ba and Shu, while to the north are the advantages of old Wan. It is protected on three sides and defends only one corner, facing east to control the feudal lords. When the feudal lords are at peace, the rivers He and Wei can be used for transporting grain and goods by waterway. The empire supplies the western capital from the east; if the feudal lords undergo any upheaval, one can descend with the current to deliver supplies in ample quantity. This is what is called a golden-walled city stretching for a thousand li, the Celestial Granary of the realm. Lou Jing's argument was correct." Thus, Emperor Gaozu set out that very day and traveled west to establish his capital in Guanzhong. From then on, the state enjoyed peace and stability. Even though there were plots by Peng Yue, Chen Xi, and Lu Wan, as well as military forces from Jiangyou, Yan, Dai, Wu, Chu, and the eastern regions of Guan—though numbering in the hundreds of thousands—none could cause harm. This was due to the protection afforded by benevolence and virtue, and the security provided by the strong defenses of Guanzhong. The state's enduring peace was due to the strategies of Lou Jing and Zhang Liang. The emperor said, "Originally, it was Lou Jing who suggested establishing the capital in the land of Qin." "Lou is Jiao." He was granted the surname Jiao, appointed as a Langzhong, and honored with the title Fengchun Jun. Later, he died as the Marquis of Jianxin.
|
| | 善谋下: |
留侯张子房，于汉已定，性多疾，即导引不食谷，杜门不出。岁馀，上欲废太子，立戚氏夫人子赵王如意，大臣多争，未能得坚决者也。吕后恐，不知所为。人或谓吕后曰：“留侯善画计策，上信用之。”吕后乃使建成侯吕泽劫留侯曰：“君常为上计，今日欲易太子，君安得高河卧？”留侯曰：“始上数在困急之中，幸用臣，今天下安定，以爱幼欲易太子骨肉间。虽臣等百馀人，何益？”吕泽强要曰：“为我画计。”留侯曰：“此难以口舌争也，顾上有所不能致者，天下有四人，园公、绮里季、夏黄公、角里先生。此四人者年老矣，皆以上慢侮士，故逃匿山中，义不为汉臣，然上高此四人。公诚能无爱金玉璧帛，令太子为书，卑辞以安车迎之，因使辩士固请宜来，来以为客，时时从入朝，令上见之，上见之即必异问之，问之，上知此四人，亦一助也。”于是吕后令吕泽使人奉太子书，卑辞厚礼迎四人。四人至，舍吕泽所。至十二年，上从破黥布军归，疾益甚，愈欲易太子，留侯陈不听，因疾不视事，太傅叔孙通称说引古，以死争太子，上佯许之，犹欲易之。及燕，置酒；太子侍，四人者从太子，皆年八十有馀，鬓眉皓白，衣冠甚伟，上怪而问之曰：“何为者？”四人前对，各言其姓名，上乃惊曰：“吾求公数岁，公避逃我，今公何自从吾儿游乎？”四人皆对曰：“陛下轻士善骂，臣等义不辱，故恐而亡匿，闻太子为人子孝仁、敬爱士，天下莫不延颈，愿为太子死者，故来耳。”上曰：“烦公幸卒调护太子。”四人为寿已毕，起去，上目送之，召戚夫人指示四人者曰：“我欲易之，彼四人辅之，羽翼已成，难动矣。吕氏真而主矣。”戚夫人泣下，上曰：“为我楚舞，吾为若楚歌。”歌曰：“槛鹄高蜚，一举千里，羽翮已就，横绝四海，当可奈何？虽有矰缴，尚安能施？”歌数阕，戚夫人唏嘘流涕，上起去罢酒，竟不易太子者，留侯召四人之谋也。 |
| | Liu Hou Zhang Liang, after the Han dynasty had been established, was prone to illness. He practiced guiding and leading (qigong) exercises, abstained from eating grains, and remained shut within his home, not going out. After more than a year, the emperor wanted to depose the crown prince and instead establish Qi Shi Fu Ren's son, Zhao Wang Ru Yi, as heir. Many ministers strongly opposed this, but could not reach a decisive resolution. Empress Lu was terrified and did not know what to do. Someone advised Empress Lu, saying, "Liu Hou is skilled in devising strategies; the emperor trusts and relies on him." Empress Lu then sent Marquis Chengjian, Lü Ze, to coerce Liu Hou, saying: "You have always advised the emperor. Now that he wishes to replace the crown prince, how can you remain reclining idly in your high chamber?" Liu Hou said: "At first, when the emperor was often in dire straits, he was fortunate to use my advice. Now that the empire is at peace, he wishes to replace his heir due to affection for a younger son within the royal family." "Even if I and more than one hundred others oppose it, what difference would that make?" Lü Ze insisted forcefully, saying: "Then devise a plan for me." Liu Hou said: "This cannot be resolved by mere words. There is something the emperor desires but cannot obtain—there are four men in the world: Yuan Gong, Qili Ji, Xia Huanggong, and Jiali Xiansheng." These four men are now old, and they have fled into the mountains because the emperor has been disrespectful to scholars. They hold themselves above serving as ministers of Han, yet the emperor greatly admires these four individuals. "If you truly can spare no expense of gold, jade, precious stones, or silk, have the crown prince write a letter with humble words and send an honored carriage to welcome them. Then dispatch eloquent men to earnestly invite them; if they come, treat them as guests. Have them accompany the prince into court from time to time so that the emperor sees them. When he sees them, he will surely ask about them in surprise. Once he learns of these four men, it will be a great help." Thus, Empress Lu ordered Lü Ze to send envoys carrying the crown prince's letter and offer humble words and generous gifts to welcome the four men. The four men arrived and were lodged at Lü Ze's residence. By the twelfth year, after returning from defeating the army of Qing Bu, the emperor's illness worsened, and his desire to replace the crown prince grew stronger. Liu Hou repeatedly advised against it but was not heeded; due to his illness, he no longer attended official duties. Tai Fu Shusun Tong cited ancient precedents and pleaded for the crown prince with his life. The emperor pretended to agree, yet still desired to change him. When Yan was pacified, a banquet was held; The crown prince attended, and the four men followed him. All were over eighty years old, with white beards and eyebrows, and their attire was most dignified. The emperor was surprised and asked them, "Who are you?" The four men stepped forward and each stated their names. The emperor was startled and said, "I have sought you for many years, yet you evaded me. Now, why are you following my son?" The four men all replied, "Your Majesty is disrespectful to scholars and prone to cursing. We valued our dignity and would not suffer such humiliation, so we feared and fled into hiding. However, we heard that the crown prince is filial and kind as a son, respectful and loving toward scholars; there is no one in the realm who does not look up to him with admiration, willing even to die for the crown prince. That is why we have come." The emperor said: "I am grateful that you will kindly continue to support and protect the crown prince." After the four men had finished offering their blessings and departed, the emperor watched them leave with his own eyes. He then summoned Qi Fu Ren and pointed out the four men to her, saying: "I wanted to replace him, but those four are now supporting him; his wings have already grown strong—it will be difficult to move him." "The House of Lü is truly the master now." Qi Fu Ren wept. The emperor said, "Dance for me in the style of Chu, and I shall sing a song of Chu for you." The song went: "A caged crane soars high, flying a thousand li in one leap; its wings are now fully grown, crossing the four seas without bounds. What can I do about it?" "Though there may be arrows and nets, how could they still be effective?" After singing several songs, Qi Fu Ren sobbed and wept bitterly. The emperor rose and left the banquet unfinished. In the end, he did not replace the crown prince—this was due to Liu Hou's strategy of summoning the four men.
|
| | 善谋下: |
汉十一年，九江黥布反，高皇帝疾，欲使太子往击之，是时园公、绮里季、夏公黄、角里先生，已侍太子，闻太子将击黥布，四人相谓曰：“凡来者将以存太子，太子将兵事，危矣。”乃说建成侯曰：“太子将兵，有功，则位不益；无功，从此受祸矣。且太子所与俱诸将，皆尝与上定天下枭将也，乃使太子将之，此无异使羊将狼也，皆不肯为用尽力，其无功必矣。臣闻母爱者子抱，今戚夫人日夜侍御，赵王常居抱前，上终不使不肖子居爱子上。明乎其代太子位必矣。君何不急谓吕后承间为上泣，言黥布天下猛将，善用兵，诸将皆陛下故等伦，乃令太子将此属，无异使羊将狼，莫为用。且使布闻之，即鼓行而西耳。上虽疾，卧护之，诸将不敢不尽力，虽苦，强为妻子计。载辎车，卧而行。”于是吕泽立夜见吕后，吕后承间为上泣而言，如四人意。上曰：“吾惟竖子，故不足遣，乃公自行耳。”于是上自将东，群臣居守，皆送至霸上。留侯疾，强起至曲邮见上曰：“臣宜从，疾甚，楚人剽疾，愿上无与楚人争锋。”因说上曰：“令太子为将军，监关中诸侯兵。”上谓子房虽疾，强起卧而傅太子，是时叔孙通已为太子太傅，留侯行少傅事。汉遂诛黥布，太子安宁，国家晏然，此四公子之谋也。 |
| | In the eleventh year of Han, Jiangyou Qing Bu rebelled. Emperor Gaozu was ill and wished to send the crown prince to attack him. At that time, Yuan Gong, Qili Ji, Xiao Huanggong, and Jialu Xiansheng were already serving as attendants to the crown prince. Upon hearing that the crown prince would lead troops against Qing Bu, the four men said among themselves: "We came here in order to preserve the crown prince; if he now takes up arms, it will be dangerous." They then advised Marquis Chengjian Lü Ze: "If the crown prince leads troops and achieves success, his position will not be enhanced further; if he fails to achieve success, he will suffer misfortune from this point onward. Moreover, the generals accompanying the crown prince are all experienced tiger-like commanders who once helped the emperor pacify the realm. To now place the crown prince in command of them is no different from sending a sheep to lead wolves; they will not be willing to serve or exert themselves fully. Thus, failure is certain. We have heard that a mother's love ensures her son is held close. Now, Qi Fu Ren serves the emperor day and night, and Zhao Wang often stays in his presence. The emperor will never allow an unworthy son to rank above his beloved child. It is clear that he will inevitably take the place of the crown prince. You should not delay in urgently advising Empress Lu to seize an opportunity and weep before the emperor, saying that Qing Bu is a fierce general of the realm, skilled in warfare. The other generals are all your Majesty's old equals; to now command them under the crown prince is no different from sending a lamb to lead wolves—none will be willing to serve him. Moreover, if Qing Bu hears of this, he will surely march westward in triumph. Although the emperor is ill and must remain bedridden, if he personally oversees the campaign, the generals will dare not withhold their efforts. Though it may be arduous, he should strive for the sake of his wife and children. He should ride in a supply cart, lying down as he travels." Thus, Lü Ze immediately visited Empress Lu at night. Empress Lu seized the opportunity to weep before the emperor and spoke as the four men had advised. The emperor said: "I merely thought of my son as a young man, so he was not worthy to be sent; I shall go myself." Thus, the emperor personally led his forces eastward. The ministers who remained behind all saw him off to Bashi. Liu Hou was ill, but forced himself to rise and went as far as Quyou to see the emperor. He said: "I should accompany Your Majesty on this campaign, but my illness is severe. The Chu people are fierce and swift; I beg that Your Majesty not engage them in direct battle." He then advised the emperor, saying: "Appoint the crown prince as general to oversee the forces of the feudal lords from Guanzhong." The emperor ordered Zi Fang, despite his illness, to rise and remain with the crown prince as an advisor. At that time, Shusun Tong had already served as the Crown Prince's Tai Fu (Grand Tutor), while Liu Hou carried out the duties of Shaofu (Deputy Tutor). Han thus succeeded in 诛灭 Qing Bu, and the crown prince remained safe; the state enjoyed peace—this was the strategy of the four sages.
|
| | 善谋下: |
齐悼王者，孝惠皇帝之兄也。孝惠皇帝二年，悼惠王入朝，孝惠皇与悼惠王宴饮，乃行家人礼，同席。吕太后怒，乃进鸩酒，孝惠皇帝知，欲代饮之，乃止。悼惠王惧不得出城，上车太息，内史参乘怪问其故，悼惠王具以状语内史，内史曰：“王宁亡十城耶？将亡齐国也？”悼惠王曰：“得全身而已，何敢爱城哉！”内史曰：“鲁元公主，太后之女，大王之弟也。大王封国七十馀城，而鲁元公主汤沐邑少；大王诚献十城为鲁元公主汤沐邑，内有亲亲之恩，外有顺太后之意，太后必大喜。是亡十城而得六十城也。”悼惠王曰：“善。”至邸上，奏献十城为鲁元公主汤沐邑，太后果大悦受邑，厚赐悼惠王而归之，国遂安，齐内史之谋也。 |
| | Prince Di Zhao of Qi was the elder brother of Emperor Xiao Hui. In the second year of Emperor Xiao Hui's reign, Prince Di Zhao of Qi came to court. Emperor Xiao Hui dined and drank with Prince Di Zhao, and during this banquet, they observed family rites, sitting together on the same mat. Empress Dowager Lü was furious and ordered poisoned wine to be served. Emperor Xiao Hui, aware of this, tried to drink it in place of his brother but was stopped. Prince Di Zhao was afraid he would not be allowed to leave the city. As he climbed into his carriage, he sighed deeply. Neishi, who rode with him as a companion, noticed and asked why. Prince Di Zhao explained everything in detail. Neishi said: "Would Your Highness rather lose ten cities?" Or is it to destroy the state of Qi altogether?" Prince Di Zhao said: "I only wish to preserve my life; how could I dare to cherish cities!" Neishi said: "Princess Lu Yuan is the daughter of Empress Dowager Lü and Your Highness's sister." Your Highness holds a fiefdom with more than seventy cities, yet Princess Lu Yuan's fief for her bath and meals is meager; If Your Highness genuinely offers ten cities as a fief for Princess Lu Yuan's bath and meals, internally it will show familial affection, and externally it will demonstrate obedience to the empress dowager's wishes. The empress dowager is sure to be greatly pleased. This way, you lose ten cities but retain sixty." Prince Di Zhao said: "Well said." Upon arriving at his residence, Prince Di Zhao submitted a report offering ten cities as the fief for Princess Lu Yuan's bath and meals. The Empress Dowager was indeed greatly pleased to accept this gift, bestowed generous rewards upon Prince Di Zhao, and sent him back. Thus, the state of Qi remained peaceful—this was due to the strategy of Qi's Neishi.
|
| | 善谋下: |
孝武皇帝时，大行王恢数言击匈奴之便，可以除边境之害，欲绝和亲之约，御史大夫韩安国以为兵不可动。孝武皇帝召群臣而问曰：“朕饰子女以配单于，币帛文锦，赂之甚厚，今单于逆命加慢，侵盗无已，边境数惊，朕甚闵之，今欲举兵以攻匈奴，如何？”大行臣恢再拜稽首曰：“善。陛下不言，臣固谒之。臣闻全代之时，北未尝不有强胡之故，内连中国之兵也，然尚得养老长幼，树种以时，仓廪常实，守御之备具，匈奴不敢轻侵也。今以陛下之威，海内为一家，天子同任，遣子弟乘边守塞，转粟挽输，以为之备，而匈奴侵盗不休者，无他，不痛之患也。臣以为击之便。”御史大夫臣安国稽首再拜曰：“不然。臣闻高皇帝尝围于平城，匈奴至而投鞍高于城者数所。平城之危，七日不食，天下叹之。及解围反位，无忿怨之色，虽得天下，而不报平城之怨者，非以力不能也。夫圣人以天下为度者也，不以己之私怒，伤天下之公义，故遣娇敬结为私亲，至今为五世利。孝文皇帝尝一屯天下之精兵于常溪广武，无尺寸之功。天下黔首，约要之民，无不忧者，孝文皇帝悟兵之不可宿也，乃为和亲之约，至今为后世利。臣以为两主之迹，足以为效，臣故曰勿击便。” |
| | During the reign of Emperor Xiao Wu, Da Xing Wang Hui frequently spoke in favor of attacking the Xiongnu, arguing that it would eliminate the threat along the frontier and wished to break off the existing peace treaty. However, the Grand Censor Yan An Guo believed that military action should not be taken. Emperor Xiao Wu summoned his ministers and asked: "I have adorned my daughters to marry the Chanyu, given him rich gifts of silk and brocade, lavishing him with generous tribute. Yet now the Chanyu defies my authority, grows disrespectful, and continues to raid without cease, causing frequent alarms along our borders. I deeply lament this situation. Now I wish to raise an army to attack the Xiongnu—what is your counsel?" Minister Da Xing Wang Hui kowtowed twice and said: "That would be wise." Had Your Majesty not spoken, I would have already petitioned for this course of action. I have heard that during the time of the state of Quan Dai, there was always a strong Hu force to the north, yet internally we maintained our military readiness. Even so, we were still able to care for the elderly and children, plant crops according to the seasons, keep granaries well stocked, and prepare fully for defense—thus the Xiongnu dared not lightly invade. Now, under Your Majesty's authority, the realm is united as one family. The Son of Heaven shares this responsibility; he sends his sons and nephews to garrison the frontiers and transport grain along supply routes for defense. Yet the Xiongnu continue their raids without ceasing—there is no other reason but that we have not yet inflicted a decisive punishment upon them. I believe it would be advantageous to attack them." Grand Censor Minister Yan An Guo kowtowed and said: "That is not correct." I have heard that Emperor Gaozu once was surrounded at Pingcheng, and the Xiongnu approached so closely their stirrups were higher than the city walls in several places. The peril at Pingcheng lasted seven days without food, and all under heaven lamented it. When the siege was lifted and he returned to his position, there was no sign of anger or resentment on his face. Though he had gained control over the realm, he did not seek revenge for the grudge at Pingcheng—not because he lacked the strength, but out of wisdom and restraint. A sage measures all things by the interests of the realm; he does not allow his personal anger to harm the public justice of the world. Thus, Emperor Gaozu sent Jiao Jing to form a marital alliance, and this arrangement has brought benefits for five generations. Emperor Xiao Wen once stationed the elite troops of the realm at Changxi and Guangwu, yet achieved not a single inch of success. The common people throughout the land, those bound by hardship and toil, all felt great concern. Emperor Xiao Wen realized that maintaining a standing army was not advisable; thus he entered into peace treaties through marriage alliances, which have continued to benefit future generations. I believe the precedents set by these two emperors are sufficient for us to follow; therefore, I say it is more advantageous not to launch an attack."
|
| | 善谋下: |
大行曰：“不然。夫明于形者，分则不过于事；察于动者，用则不失于利；审于静者，恬则免于患。高帝被坚执锐，以除天下之害，蒙矢石，沾风雨，行几十年，伏尸满泽，积首若山，死者什七，存者什三，行者垂泣而倪于兵。夫以天下末力，厌事之民，而蒙匈奴饱佚，其势不便。故结和亲之约者，所以休天下之民。高皇帝明于形而以分事，通于动静之时。盖五帝不相同乐，三王不相袭礼者，非政相反也，各因世之宜也。教与时变，备与敌化，守一而不易，不足以子民。今匈奴纵意日久矣，侵盗无已，系虏人民，戍卒死伤，中国道路，槥车相望，此仁人之所哀也。臣故曰击之便。”御史大夫曰：“不然，臣闻之，利不什不易业，功不百不变常，是故古之人君，谋事必就圣，发政必择语，重作事也。自三代之盛，远方夷狄，不与正朔服色，非威不能制，非强不能服也，以为远方绝域，不牧之民，不足以烦中国也。且匈奴者，轻疾悍前之兵也，畜牧为业，弧弓射猎，逐兽随草，居处无常，难得而制也。至不及图，去不可追；来若风雨，解若收电，今使边郡久废耕织之业，以支匈奴常事，其势不权。臣故曰勿击为便。” |
| | Da Xing said: "That is not correct." He who understands the situation knows that dividing forces does not exceed what is necessary for the matter at hand; He who discerns movement uses his resources without losing advantage; He who carefully observes stillness remains tranquil and thus avoids misfortune. Emperor Gaozu, clad in armor and wielding sharp weapons, waged war to eliminate the chaos that plagued the realm. He braved arrows and stones, endured wind and rain, for nearly four decades. Corpses lay thick as reeds in the marshes, and severed heads piled up like mountains; seven out of ten perished, while only three remained alive. Those who survived wept bitterly at the sight of war. To exhaust the strength of the realm and burden its weary people, while allowing the Xiongnu to grow fat and idle—this situation is disadvantageous. Therefore, forming peace treaties through marriage alliances was done in order to grant rest and relief to the people of the realm. Emperor Gaozu understood the situation well and knew when to divide his efforts; he was also wise in discerning the right times for action or stillness. The Five Emperors did not share the same music, and the Three Kings did not follow identical rites—not because their policies were opposed, but because each adapted to what was appropriate for their respective eras. Education must change with the times, and preparations must adapt to the enemy's transformations. To adhere rigidly to one method without change is insufficient for governing the people. Now, for a long time the Xiongnu have acted with unrestrained intent, ceaselessly committing raids and kidnappings of people. Soldiers on garrison duty suffer deaths and injuries; along the roads of China, funeral carts can be seen everywhere—a sight that evokes sorrow among compassionate people. Therefore, I say it is advantageous to attack them." The Grand Censor said, "Not so. I have heard that unless the benefit is tenfold, one should not change his occupation; and unless the achievement is a hundredfold, one should not alter established custom. Therefore, ancient rulers, when planning affairs, always consulted sages, and when enacting policies, they carefully chose their words—thus showing great caution in undertaking actions." During the flourishing era of the Three Dynasties, distant barbarian tribes did not conform to the calendar or ceremonial dress of the central kingdom. This was not because their power could not be curbed, nor because their strength could not be subdued; rather, it was considered that these remote and isolated peoples, beyond the reach of governance, were not worth troubling the realm with. Moreover, the Xiongnu are a light and swift force, fierce in battle. They take animal husbandry as their occupation, rely on bows and arrows for hunting, follow game and grasslands, and have no fixed place of residence—it is difficult to capture or subdue them. When the opportunity arrives too late, it cannot be seized; when it departs, it cannot be reclaimed; They come like wind and rain, and vanish as quickly as a flash of lightning. Now, if we cause the border commanderies to long neglect farming and weaving in order to constantly contend with the Xiongnu, such a strategy is not sound. Therefore, I say that it is more advantageous not to attack."
|
| | 善谋下: |
大行曰：“不然。夫神蛟济于渊，而凤鸟乘于风，圣人因于时。昔者，秦缪公都雍郊，地方三百里，知时之变，攻取西戎，辟地千里，并国十二，陇西北地是也。其后蒙恬为秦侵胡，以河为境，累石为城，积木为寨，匈奴不敢饮马北河，置烽燧然后敢牧马。夫匈奴可以力服也，不可以仁畜也。今以中国之大，万倍之资，遣百分之一以攻匈奴，譬如以千石之弩，射帻溃疽，必不留行矣。则北发月氏，可得而臣也。臣故曰击之便。”御史大夫曰：“不然。臣闻善战者，以饱待饥，安行定舍，以待其劳，整治施德，以待其乱，接兵奋众，深入伐国堕城，故常坐而役敌国，此圣人之兵也。夫冲风之衰也，不能起毛羽；强弩之末力，不能入鲁缟。盛之有衰也，犹朝之必暮也，今卷甲而轻举，深入而长驱，难以为功。夫横行则中绝，从行则迫胁；徐则后利，疾则粮乏，不至千里，人马绝饥，劳以遇敌，正遗人获也。意者有他诡妙，可以擒之，则臣不知，不然未见深入之利也。臣故曰勿击之便。” |
| | Da Xing said: "Not so. The divine dragon traverses the abyss, and the phoenix rides on the wind; a sage acts in accordance with the times. In ancient times, Duke Mu of Qin established his capital at Yongjiao, with a territory spanning three hundred li. Recognizing the changes in the era, he launched campaigns to conquer the western Rong tribes, expanding his land by a thousand li and annexing twelve states—this refers to Longxi and Beidi. Afterward, Meng Tian led the Qin in their campaigns against the Hu tribes, using the Yellow River as a boundary. He piled stones to build walls and gathered wood to construct fortresses; so formidable was this defense that the Xiongnu dared not water their horses north of the river, and only after setting up beacon towers did they dare to graze their horses. The Xiongnu can be subdued by strength, but cannot be tamed through benevolence. Now, with the vastness of China and resources a hundredfold greater, if we dispatch merely one percent of our strength to attack the Xiongnu, it is like using a crossbow capable of firing a thousand dan to strike a head wound or abscess—it will certainly not allow them to escape. Then, the northern Yuezhi could be subdued and made our subjects. Therefore, I say it is beneficial to attack them." The Grand Censor said: "Not so. I have heard that those skilled in warfare use their well-fed forces to confront the hungry, march steadily and establish secure camps to await the enemy's exhaustion, cultivate order and virtue to take advantage of the enemy's disorder, mobilize troops and inspire the people, penetrate deeply into enemy territory, attack states, and capture cities—thus often remaining at ease while subjugating the opposing state. This is the way of a sage's military strategy. When a strong wind wanes, it cannot lift even a feather; the final thrust of a powerful crossbow lacks the strength to pierce Lu gao. Might gives way to decline, just as the morning must inevitably give way to evening. Now, if we gather our troops and launch a hasty campaign, advancing deeply into enemy territory without caution, it will be difficult to achieve success. Marching horizontally leads to being cut off in the middle; marching vertically invites pressure and coercion; Moving slowly allows for later advantage, while moving hastily leads to a shortage of provisions. Before reaching a thousand li, both men and horses will face starvation; to be exhausted when encountering the enemy is merely handing victory over to them. If there exists some other cunning and ingenious strategy that could capture them, then I do not know of it; otherwise, I have yet to see the advantage in a deep advance. Therefore, I say it is more advantageous not to launch an attack."
|
| | 善谋下: |
大行曰：“不然。夫草木之中霜雾，不可以风过；清水明镜，不可以形遯也；通方之人，不可以文乱。今臣言击之者，故非发而深入也，将顺因单于之欲，诱而致之边，吾伏轻卒锐士以待之，险鞍险阻以备之。吾势以成，或当其左，或当其右；或当其前，或当其后，单于可擒，百必全取。臣以为击之便。”于是遂从大行之言。孝武皇帝自将师伏兵于马邑，诱致单于。单于既入塞，道觉之，奔走而去。其后交兵接刃，结怨连祸，相攻击十年，兵凋民劳，百姓空虚，道殣相望，槥车相属，寇盗满山，天下摇动。孝武皇帝后悔之。御史大夫桑弘羊请佃轮台。诏却曰：“当今之务，务在禁苛暴，止擅赋。今乃远西佃，非能以慰民也。朕不忍闻。”封丞相号曰富民侯，遂不复言兵事。国家以宁，继嗣以定，从韩安国之本谋也。 |
| | Da Xing said: "Not so. When frost and mist settle among the grasses and trees, the wind cannot pass through; clear water in a mirror-like pool cannot allow an object to escape being seen; a person of broad understanding cannot be confused by mere words. Now, when I speak of attacking them, it is not about launching a hasty and deep advance. Rather, we will follow the desires of the Chanyu, lure him to the border, and then have our light troops and elite soldiers lying in ambush to await him, while preparing for battle with advantageous terrain and obstacles. Our forces will be ready; some will strike from the left, others from the right; some will attack from the front, and others from behind—the Chanyu can be captured, and victory is certain. I believe it is advantageous to launch an attack." Thus, they followed Da Xing's advice. Emperor Xiao Wu personally led his troops and stationed an ambush at Mach 邑, luring the Chanyu to come. After the Chanyu entered the frontier pass, he became aware of the trap along the way and fled in haste. Afterward, as armies clashed and swords met in battle, enmity deepened into continuous calamities. For ten years they attacked each other; the military forces were exhausted, the people toiled endlessly, the common folk became impoverished, corpses lay along the roads, funeral carts followed one another ceaselessly, bandits filled the mountains, and the realm trembled with unrest. Emperor Xiao Wu regretted it later. The Grand Censor Sang Hongyang requested the cultivation of Luntai. The edict rejected it, saying: "The priority of current affairs lies in curbing harshness and brutality, and stopping arbitrary taxation. Now to cultivate far to the west is not a way to comfort the people. I cannot bear to hear it." The Prime Minister was enfeoffed with the title of Fumin Hou, and thereafter no further discussion on military matters took place. The state thus found peace, and the succession was stabilized—this followed Han Anguo's fundamental strategy.
|
| | 善谋下: |
孝武皇帝时，中大夫主父偃为策曰：“古者诸侯地不过百里，强弱之形易制也。今诸侯或连城数十，地方千里，缓则骄，易为淫乱；急则阻其强而合从，谋以逆京师，今以法割之，即逆节萌起，前日晁错是也。今诸侯子弟或十数，而适嗣代立，馀虽骨肉，无尺地之封，则仁孝之道不宣，顾陛下令诸侯得推恩，分子弟以地侯之，彼人人喜得所愿，上以德施，实封其国，而稍自消弱矣。”于是上从其计，因关马及弩不得出，绝游说之路，重附益诸侯之法，急诖误其君之罪，诸侯王遂以弱，而合从之事绝矣，主父偃之谋也。 |
| | During the reign of Emperor Xiao Wu, Zhong Dafu Zhu Fu Yan proposed a strategy: "In ancient times, feudal lords held territories no larger than one hundred li; their strength or weakness was easily controlled. Now, some feudal lords control dozens of cities, with territories spanning a thousand li; in times of peace they grow arrogant and are more prone to licentiousness and disorder. In times of crisis, they rely on their strength to form alliances and conspire against the capital. If we now use legal means to divide their territories, rebellion will inevitably arise—as was the case with Chao Cuo in previous days. Now, the sons and brothers of feudal lords may number in the teens or more, yet only the legitimate heir succeeds. The rest, though blood relatives, receive not even a single li of territory to be enfeoffed—thus the principles of benevolence and filial piety cannot flourish. I beg Your Majesty to issue an edict allowing feudal lords to bestow grace by granting portions of their land as fiefs to their sons and brothers. In this way, each will joyfully obtain what they desire; the emperor extends virtue, the actual territories of the states are divided, and gradually, their power will naturally weaken." The emperor followed his plan, and thus horses and crossbows were prohibited from leaving the realm through the passes. The road for itinerant orators was cut off; laws regarding additional grants to feudal lords were tightened, and severe punishment was imposed on those who misled their rulers. As a result, the feudal kings gradually weakened, and the practice of forming alliances against the central authority ceased—this was Zhu Fu Yan's strategy.
|
